Isn't arp a layer 2 protocol? I realize the goal of ARP is to find a MAC
for a given layer 3 address, but the broadcast is done on layer 2, and the
remote station responds with layer 2.... the layer 3 information in the ARP
request and response is just encapsulated data at that point...... which I
don't think qualifies it as a layer 3 procotol. If that were the case, TCP
could be considered a layer 4-7 protocol because all of the data it
encapsulates comes from all of the above layers......
Mike W.
"Charles Manafa" wrote in message
[EMAIL PROTECTED]">news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
> I think that ARP straddles both Layer 2 and Layer 3. It does not
completely
> belong to either.
>
> CM
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dr Rita Puzmanova
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: 13/06/01 14:58
> Subject: ARP and TCP/IP layering [7:8335]
>
> Hi all,
>
> Trivial yet fundamental question. I have seen ARP described as part of
> the network (internet) layer so many times that I have started to
> believe it belongs there (although I know well that it operates "as if"
> the Layer 2 protocol - as per OSI RM). Now I have eventually come across
> Doug Comer's statement: "It's part of the network interface layer."
>
> I should not ask where the truth is but still I will. That would mean
> quite a lot of books are incorrect in this (including Cisco materials).
>
> Rita
Message Posted at:
http://www.groupstudy.com/form/read.php?f=7&i=8637&t=8335
--------------------------------------------------
FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/cisco.html
Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]